Bay to Breakers Tightens Security

Backpacks banned, no-bandit rule enforced at May 19 race.

The rollicking party race known as the Bay to Breakers has announced a ban on backpacks and bags, and an increased crackdown on unregistered runners as part of ramped-up security measures following the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

At the May 19 event in San Francisco, runners—not spectators—are prohibited from having a backpack, bag, or any other type of container exceeding 8.5” x 11” x 4”. Runners can carry a fanny pack, for example, but not a large book bag.

Any person not wearing a race number will not be allowed at the start or anywhere on the course.

“In light of everything that’s happened, we’re asking people to look at the race differently, with more awareness,” says race director Angela Fang.

This isn’t the first time the storied 12-K has implemented new safety practices. A few years ago, shopping carts, floats, coolers, ice chests and alcohol were prohibited. The race established multiple checkpoints on the course to enforce the rule, and this year, along with confiscating those items, private security guards at the checkpoints will remove any runner with a bag. Efforts to crack down on bandits began in 2011 and will continue at the start and along the course, with officers removing anyone without a bib.

The race estimates that in past years the number of runners on the course has swelled from 30,000 to 60,000 due to unregistered participants.

Additional security measure are also planned, including behind-the-scenes efforts not being disclosed and a greater number of police and private security officers patrolling the start and finish areas and city sidewalks.

Along with uniformed officers, there'll be plainclothes police running the race, some in costume, says Albie Esparza, public information officer for the San Francisco Police Department, who emphasized that the police chief's message to all runners and citizens is, If you see something, say something.

The race is expecting 30,000 official runners this year and is still encouraging wacky and fun costumes, which, along with a strong elite field and fast centipede teams, has been the event’s hallmark for decades.

Beefed up security at 102-year-old Bay to Breakers is, of course, no surprise. Race directors across the country began evaluating security protocols immediately following the April 15 blasts—Fang says Bay to Breakers staff began discussions that Monday afternoon—and many races have announced additional security measures, including, most recently, the Peachtree Road Race.